From innovative store venues to youth career programs, suggestions from four contenders for Alton’s leadership sometimes seemed universal and other times appeared worlds apart at an Alton Main Street Mayoral forum recently.
Current Mayor Brant Walker joined contenders Scott Dixon, Joshua Young and Dan Rauschkolb in offering proposals for the city is in real time — based on previously sent questionnaires — at the media-sponsored event held at the Riverbender.com Community Center. Alton native Wesley Bell, a Ferguson City Council member, acted as moderator.
Incumbent Brant Walker touted improvements in Alton’s business climate during his time in office, citing innovation and “unprecedented growth,” according to Riverbender.com. When asked about the city’s role in supporting business, Walker suggested extra grants and greater efficiency in city government. He also said that it is “not the city's job to select which businesses are winners and losers,” referring to the types of new businesses that should be courted.
Scott Dixon, a native of the city, has an M.B.A. and 25 years of executive experience in the private sector. He described Alton as having strayed from the right path under the current administration, pointing to deterioration and higher crime rates. He proposed updating Alton’s profile through firmer enforcement of codes and laws as well as handling issues proactively instead of after the fact.
Dixon urged Alton to ditch its 20-year-old plan and focus on revitalizing infrastructure. He argued that increasing the downtown’s commercial appeal goes hand in hand with ensuring public safety, but he agreed with Walker on the “winners and losers” aspect, pledging to support entrepreneurs and financial backers.
Joshua Young comes to the campaign with a message of moral strength. A former Marine running on a Progressive Democrat platform, Young stressed social advocacy to create a more harmonious atmosphere in Alton. Describing the city’s next generation as taking up the jurisdiction’s business reins, he told the audience that he would prioritize startups. He said with a median age of 35, Alton should support local demographics with a focus on family-friendly businesses.
Dan Rauschkolb, nearing retirement as an Alton Police Department lieutenant, talked about his first-hand look at the city from patrolling the streets, pinpointing road improvements and employment as priorities. Like Young, Rauschkolb advocated for a business-friendly atmosphere and added that he would act to eliminate what he considered “unreasonable” fees and administrative bureaucracy.
Rauschkolb also expressed hope that the city could develop a technology hub, construct housing for seniors, create a drug task force and continue improvements in its police work.
As far as attracting new business, Walker said his top priority would be to develop an atmosphere conducive to business, then estimated that 80 percent of new jobs in Alton in the near future will be derived from a combination of new small businesses and growth among existing companies. Walker recommended career resource programs for young adults through high schools and community colleges.
Dixon responded to moderator Bell’s framing of the question, which included a reference to big box and franchise operations, by emphasizing that while most consumers visit standard chain stores, that type of business would not constitute a big attraction for visiting shoppers. Instead, he recommended unique small enterprises, envisioning more creative settings than just a strip mall or new construction.
Young suggested business incubators plus economic incentives to reduce energy consumption. He mentioned the possibility of creating new commercial zones and said the city needs to “open more doors” and possibly expand the TIF (tax increment financing) district.
Rauschkolb said he would establish a task force for jobs, support college-based training programs and nurture community relations. He also recommended implementing a strategic economic development plan and keeping sustainability in view while working on growth and development.
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